Risk Factors for Coronary Artery Disease

Topic Overview

Some risk factors—things that increase your risk—for
coronary artery disease (CAD), such as your gender, age,
and family history, cannot be changed. Other risk factors for CAD are related
to lifestyle and often can be changed. Your chance of developing coronary
artery disease increases with the number of risk factors you have.

Your doctor can help you know your risk of CAD, heart attack, and stroke.

You can help lower your risk of CAD with heart-healthy lifestyle changes such as eating healthy foods, being active, and not smoking.

Risk factors you can control

Risk factors you cannot control

Family history: One or more of your
close relatives have or had early CAD.

Gender: Men generally
develop CAD 10 years earlier than women, although by age 60, CAD becomes the
leading cause of death in both genders. Women have certain other things that may increase their risk. These include hormone therapy and pregnancy-related problems.

Topic Contents

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